Three islands, one easy day.

This Elaphite cruise turns Dubrovnik’s coastline into a full-on sea day, with unlimited drinks on the open bar and standout hosting from guides like Emily and Natasha. You get real time to wander and swim, plus that classic Adriatic feeling of wind, salt air, and views that keep widening as the boat leaves the city behind. My favorite parts were the balanced stop times and how often the crew checked in with you.

One thing to think about: the longer island break (especially on Lopud) can feel less fun if you’re counting on shops being open or if the weather makes swimming less appealing. And since this tour is subject to sea conditions, your day can shift with the water and wind.

Key points to know before you go

• Open bar, nonstop refills: water, soft drinks, white wine, and brandy are included.
• Guides like Emily and Natasha: friendly, hands-on, and big on practical tips and island orientation.
• Koločep and Lopud are the swim-and-walk stars: you’ll get time for beaches and quick snorkeling.
• Šipan mixes history with breathing room: guided time up front, then you roam.
• Lunch is on the boat: fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option, with drinks paired in.
• Weather matters: sea conditions can affect the flow of the day.

Why the Elaphite Islands cruise is the smart Dubrovnik day trip

Dubrovnik is famous for walls, towers, and photo angles. This cruise is the opposite mood—in the best way. Instead of sprinting through sights, you spend the day moving at sea level, stopping where the water is clear enough to actually want to jump in. If you want a break from stone streets, this is one of the easiest ways to feel like you changed pace without changing cities.

I like that the day isn’t built around one “big” stop. You hit three islands—Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud—with enough time on each to walk a bit and decide what you want: beach time, a swim, or just a slow wander for red-roofed stone houses and coastal views.

The value is the combo. At around $51 per person, you’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re getting a guided experience, time on multiple islands, lunch included on the options that include it, and a steady flow of drinks. That’s the kind of deal that makes sense when you factor in how expensive food and drinks can be once you’re out on the water.

Getting to the Emili: boarding that feels simple

Your meeting point is straightforward: board the cruise on the dock next to the bus station. The boat name is Emili. If you struggle finding it, the provider gives instructions to call for help.

Once you’re on board, the boat setup makes a difference. There are seating areas including a top deck (where guides like Emily and Natasha can easily keep the group oriented) and a lower deck. The crew keeps the day moving smoothly—announcing where you’ll go next and offering drinks during the cruising time, not just at the dock.

Two small practical notes that save you stress:

• Bring a towel and swimwear because stops are built for getting wet.
• If you choose optional pickup, confirm your timing. The tour warns that if you don’t contact them for pickup time, you could risk missing the tour.

Koločep: your first real taste of island life

Koločep is the start of the island rhythm. The stop includes a mix of photo time and free time, plus walking and time to swim. Because Koločep is smaller than the others, you can get the island vibe without it feeling like you missed something important.

What you’ll likely enjoy most here is the flexibility:

• If you love water time, focus on the swim and snorkeling moments.
• If you’d rather stretch your legs, take the nature walk at an easy pace and enjoy sea views from the island paths.

A common pattern I’d plan around: enjoy Koločep for the “quick hit” of beach and water, then keep your energy for Lopud, which gets the biggest block of time later.

Cruising time between islands: the views are part of the schedule

Don’t treat the “sightseeing cruise” segments like dead time. The boat rides give you shifting angles on Dubrovnik’s coastline and the Elaphite archipelago. Even when you’re not hopping off the boat, the day keeps changing—different light, different shoreline shapes, and new sight lines with each leg.

This is also when the crew tends to circulate with drinks. If you’re the type who gets seasick, you may prefer to stay toward the middle of the boat and keep your eyes on the horizon. (The tour itself notes sea conditions matter, so the safest move is to plan for the possibility of a choppier ride.)

Šipan: guided context, then roaming time

Šipan is where the day adds more structure. You get a guided tour component—good if you want background that helps you understand why the islands look the way they do. Expect the usual island-house atmosphere: stone buildings and the familiar red-roof look that shows up across the Elaphite islands.

After the guided portion, you get free time to explore at your own pace. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to wander without a strict checklist, Šipan lets you do exactly that.

One caution to keep your expectations realistic: if you’re coming specifically for big beaches or a lot of shops, Šipan may feel quieter compared with Lopud. That’s not a “bad” thing—it just means you should go for the scenery and the slow island rhythm, not a shopping spree.

Lopud: the best chance for beach time and a proper island pause

Lopud is the long stop, so it’s the one that most strongly shapes how you remember the day. You’ll have about three hours here, which is plenty for a mix of beach lounging, a walk, and time to cool off in the water.

Here’s what stands out about Lopud as an experience:

• You’ll likely get the best shot at enjoying the beach and the water.
• You can walk around and take in traditional stone homes with red roofs.
• There’s more going on in terms of food moments and island activity compared with the shorter stops.

Some people feel the Lopud time depends heavily on season and weather. In cooler periods or shoulder season, shops may be limited and there can be a stretch where your best plan is simply to enjoy the views, wait for the sun if it comes out, and save your swim time for when conditions look good. If that sounds like your style—relaxed, sea-air, low-pressure wandering—Lopud is a highlight.

Lunch on the boat and the open bar setup

Lunch is served onboard, and it’s a major part of why this cruise feels like a deal. Your meal choice typically includes chicken, fish, or a vegetarian dish (based on what’s offered for your group). The food is served in the middle of the day, which means you’re not hungry after your morning walking and swimming plans.

What I like about the lunch setup is the pairing: the open bar is already in motion, so you can match your meal with the included drinks—white wine, brandy, water, and soft drinks. The drinks are served throughout the cruise, not only at a single moment.

Two practical tips:

• If you want the best food and drink flow, try to eat when crew starts serving rather than waiting too long.
• If you don’t drink alcohol, don’t feel like you’re missing out—the included non-alcohol options are part of the same refresh rhythm.

The crew energy: where this tour earns a near-perfect score

The day’s “feel” mostly comes from the crew and guide style. Guides named Emily and Natasha show up again and again in positive feedback for being organized, friendly, and practical—giving tips on what to look for and keeping the group on track without making anyone feel rushed.

You’ll also see that the crew stays attentive. Drinks keep coming, and the staff helps with navigating viewpoints and knowing when it’s worth getting up and moving around.

I’d call out one extra detail that matters in real life: the guides help you pace yourself across island stops. When time is limited (like on Koločep and Šipan), knowing what to prioritize turns a short break into a satisfying one.

Timing, sea conditions, and what to pack

This is a boat day, so your plans should stay flexible. The tour is subject to sea conditions, which can affect ride comfort and sometimes how people feel about swimming time.

If you want an easier day on the water, pack like this:

• Swimwear and towel (you’ll thank yourself)
• A layer for wind on deck
• Sun protection (the boat sits in open air for long stretches)

About seasickness: you aren’t given medical guidance, so it’s on you to manage. If you’re sensitive on boats, consider bringing whatever you normally use.

Also, be aware that one practical downside shows up occasionally: some passengers note engine fumes depending on where they sit on the boat. That’s not a guaranteed issue for everyone, but if you’re sensitive to smells, pick seating away from exhaust areas when possible.

Who should book this cruise, and who might prefer something else

This tour fits you if:

• You want a simple Dubrovnik day that mixes sea views, island time, and included food/drinks.
• You’d like to swim without booking separate boat rentals or paying for multiple tours.
• You prefer a guide who gives enough context to make island time more meaningful, without turning the day into a lecture.

You might want to skip or at least think twice if:

• You need a trip that’s fully predictable regardless of wind and water.
• You’re looking for a big city-style amount of shopping and indoor activities. The islands are mostly about scenery, walks, beaches, and the small-scale island pace.

Also, the accessibility info in the details is mixed. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it also says it’s not suitable for wheelchair users (and mentions mobility impairment limitations). If mobility access is a key factor for you, contact the provider before booking so you’re not guessing.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands cruise with lunch and drinks?

If you’re deciding between staying in Dubrovnik all day versus getting out on the water, I’d book this one more often than not. It gives you the kind of value that’s hard to beat: multiple islands, lunch, and unlimited drinks in one day, plus a crew that actually seems invested in making it enjoyable.

Book it especially if you:

• want the easiest route to Koločep and Lopud-style swimming,
• like the idea of guided context on Šipan,
• and you’d rather spend your money on experiences than on piecemeal add-ons.

Just go in with the right expectations: it’s a sea-and-island day, not a museum day. If you can roll with the sea conditions and treat Lopud’s downtime as part of the charm, you’ll likely come away feeling like you made Dubrovnik do more than pose for photos.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise?

The duration is 8 hours (starting times vary by availability).

Which islands are included?

The cruise stops at Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included for the options that list lunch. If you choose an option without lunch, additional lunch can be purchased for 20 euros per person.

What drinks are included?

You get water, soft drinks, white wine, and brandy. Drinks are available during the cruise.

Do I get pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik city area is available if you select the option. Otherwise, the meeting point is the dock next to the bus station, and the end returns to the meeting point area.

Where do I board the boat?

Board the cruise on the dock next to the bus station. The boat is named Emili.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is the tour affected by weather or sea conditions?

Yes. The tour is subject to sea conditions.

What languages are the guide and crew available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Croatian.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The details list it as wheelchair accessible, but it also says it is not suitable for wheelchair users and mentions limitations for mobility impairments. If this applies to you, contact the provider before booking.